Customers launch bid to save coffee kiosk at Walthamstow Central

Customers of a coffee kiosk which faces closure have started a petition calling for it to be saved.

Madre Tierra has been serving commuters outside Walthamstow Central station for the last four years.

But owner Alessandro Pinna says Waltham Forest Council plan to close the shop when the area outside the station is paved.

Mr Pinna, who moved to London from Sardinia, believes his business would not survive elsewhere.

He said: “The other shops received a notice months ago saying that the station is going to expand and have units inside it.

“They gave around eight months notice.

“I could not afford to rent one of those units and I would not need all of the space.

“This is my life. I love it here and, if I moved, I don’t think I would get the same custom.

“I cannot believe the support that I am getting from the people here. I am so grateful.”

Catherine Marcus, a customer for two years, has begun a petition. It already has 400 signatures.

She said: “Hard-working immigrants like Alex, who have taken a chance, come to a new country to set up shop and build a life here, who contribute to their community and make life better for everyone around them, should be congratulated and rewarded for playing their part in building a better, more cohesive community.

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“He knows us all by name, he knows our orders, he knows our children’s orders and he provides a warm, personalised service which is miles away from the robotic corporate experience most of us have whenever we enter into the identical shops that make up our high streets.

“I remember grabbing a coffee for the first time and noticing the incredible animal sculptures and how everyone in the queue was laughing and chatting with the guy who was making the coffee.
“It was a really nice vibe and put a smile on my face.

“We have been told by him that the outside entrance of Walthamstow Tube is being paved over and his business is being shut down.”

Mr Pinna says that the he has “given his life” to the small business and is hoping that Waltham Forest Council will offer an alternative solution, such as allowing him to set up a mobile kiosk.

I regularly buy a coffee from Mr Pinna and it is true he knows everyone's name and order, mine is off piste but it is never a problem and he always gives an extra shot or adds things on request. I urge all those who support small businesses to sign the petition.

I regularly buy a coffee from Mr Pinna and it is true he knows everyone's name and order, mine is off piste but it is never a problem and he always gives an extra shot or adds things on request. I urge all those who support small businesses to sign the petition.Villagecranberry

I regularly buy a coffee from Mr Pinna and it is true he knows everyone's name and order, mine is off piste but it is never a problem and he always gives an extra shot or adds things on request. I urge all those who support small businesses to sign the petition.

Score: -1

GlennW says...4:20pm Fri 28 Feb 14

This is a Network Rail development and they own the land. Waltham Forest Council may have given planning permission but it's Network Rail's scheme. One would have thought that they would have advised him the site was to be redeveloped when they first rented him his pitch.

This is a Network Rail development and they own the land. Waltham Forest Council may have given planning permission but it's Network Rail's scheme. One would have thought that they would have advised him the site was to be redeveloped when they first rented him his pitch.GlennW

This is a Network Rail development and they own the land. Waltham Forest Council may have given planning permission but it's Network Rail's scheme. One would have thought that they would have advised him the site was to be redeveloped when they first rented him his pitch.

Score: 1

Dave mp says...4:36pm Fri 28 Feb 14

Dave mp wrote…

Is it me or does the link not work?

I notice this has now changed but still doesn't work. Is it me?

[quote][p][bold]Dave mp[/bold] wrote:
Is it me or does the link not work?[/p][/quote]I notice this has now changed but still doesn't work. Is it me?Dave mp

Dave mp wrote…

Is it me or does the link not work?

I notice this has now changed but still doesn't work. Is it me?

Score: -1

barbus44 says...4:50pm Fri 28 Feb 14

Dave mp wrote…

Dave mp wrote…

Is it me or does the link not work?

I notice this has now changed but still doesn't work. Is it me?

Too many Abbots last night methinks.

[quote][p][bold]Dave mp[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Dave mp[/bold] wrote:
Is it me or does the link not work?[/p][/quote]I notice this has now changed but still doesn't work. Is it me?[/p][/quote]Too many Abbots last night methinks.barbus44

Dave mp wrote…

Dave mp wrote…

Is it me or does the link not work?

I notice this has now changed but still doesn't work. Is it me?

Too many Abbots last night methinks.

Score: -2

jackblack007 says...5:16pm Fri 28 Feb 14

Villagecranberry wrote…

I regularly buy a coffee from Mr Pinna and it is true he knows everyone's name and order, mine is off piste but it is never a problem and he always gives an extra shot or adds things on request. I urge all those who support small businesses to sign the petition.

i'd like to give you an extra shot as well, from my 12 bore

[quote][p][bold]Villagecranberry[/bold] wrote:
I regularly buy a coffee from Mr Pinna and it is true he knows everyone's name and order, mine is off piste but it is never a problem and he always gives an extra shot or adds things on request. I urge all those who support small businesses to sign the petition.[/p][/quote]i'd like to give you an extra shot as well, from my 12 borejackblack007

Villagecranberry wrote…

I regularly buy a coffee from Mr Pinna and it is true he knows everyone's name and order, mine is off piste but it is never a problem and he always gives an extra shot or adds things on request. I urge all those who support small businesses to sign the petition.

i'd like to give you an extra shot as well, from my 12 bore

Score: 6

stickmanny says...8:17pm Fri 28 Feb 14

"he knows everyone's name" If he can keep track of all your names he must be good

"he knows everyone's name"
If he can keep track of all your names he must be goodstickmanny

"he knows everyone's name" If he can keep track of all your names he must be good

Score: 1

Villagecranberry says...12:25am Sat 1 Mar 14

jackblack007 wrote…

Villagecranberry wrote…

I regularly buy a coffee from Mr Pinna and it is true he knows everyone's name and order, mine is off piste but it is never a problem and he always gives an extra shot or adds things on request. I urge all those who support small businesses to sign the petition.

i'd like to give you an extra shot as well, from my 12 bore

What you propose is a criminal offence.

[quote][p][bold]jackblack007[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Villagecranberry[/bold] wrote:
I regularly buy a coffee from Mr Pinna and it is true he knows everyone's name and order, mine is off piste but it is never a problem and he always gives an extra shot or adds things on request. I urge all those who support small businesses to sign the petition.[/p][/quote]i'd like to give you an extra shot as well, from my 12 bore[/p][/quote]What you propose is a criminal offence.Villagecranberry

jackblack007 wrote…

Villagecranberry wrote…

I regularly buy a coffee from Mr Pinna and it is true he knows everyone's name and order, mine is off piste but it is never a problem and he always gives an extra shot or adds things on request. I urge all those who support small businesses to sign the petition.

Walthamstow MP Stella Creasy's latest newsletter says: "Madre Tierra at Walthamstow Central Station : Update A number of residents have been in touch following press reports that the Madre Tierra Coffee Station at Walthamstow Central Station was being closed down as part of the regeneration of the station. Having spoken to the Council business support team, who have been in touch with the owner, I am told that this is not the case, and furthermore that he will be given support to find alternative premises should in the area should the location ever need to be moved for the regeneration of the station site." While its good to know that the Council would assist in trying to find another site, it is unlikely that any alternative non Network Rail or Transport for London site would be very close to Walthamstow Central station.

Walthamstow MP Stella Creasy's latest newsletter says:
"Madre Tierra at Walthamstow Central Station : Update
A number of residents have been in touch following press reports that the Madre Tierra Coffee Station at Walthamstow Central Station was being closed down as part of the regeneration of the station. Having spoken to the Council business support team, who have been in touch with the owner, I am told that this is not the case, and furthermore that he will be given support to find alternative premises should in the area should the location ever need to be moved for the regeneration of the station site."
While its good to know that the Council would assist in trying to find another site, it is unlikely that any alternative non Network Rail or Transport for London site would be very close to Walthamstow Central station.GlennW

Walthamstow MP Stella Creasy's latest newsletter says: "Madre Tierra at Walthamstow Central Station : Update A number of residents have been in touch following press reports that the Madre Tierra Coffee Station at Walthamstow Central Station was being closed down as part of the regeneration of the station. Having spoken to the Council business support team, who have been in touch with the owner, I am told that this is not the case, and furthermore that he will be given support to find alternative premises should in the area should the location ever need to be moved for the regeneration of the station site." While its good to know that the Council would assist in trying to find another site, it is unlikely that any alternative non Network Rail or Transport for London site would be very close to Walthamstow Central station.

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